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Our canine companions get cancer at relatively the same rate
we do; our furry felines somewhat less.
And with that diagnosis comes just as much concern. At GVS, cancer and compassionate care go
hand-in-hand. From diagnosis to
treatment, the overriding goal of our comprehensive Oncology department is
comfort and quality of life. The
expertise of our board-certified medical oncologist, Dr. Terrance Hamilton,
guides the management of the patient.
Dr. Jennifer Arthur is our radiation oncologist -- specially trained in
the treatment of cancer and pain management through the use of radiation
therapy. GVS not only has the most modern technology, including a linear
accelerator, it also has the capability of a multi-modality approach, which
means combining traditional therapies for optimal outcomes. Many types of cancers respond favorably to
specific treatments, and research continues to identify new treatments like the
DNA vaccine for melanoma.
- Early diagnosis has a significant
effect on the success of treatment. GVS has a CT and MRI technology on
site for precise diagnosis. Both the CT Scan and MRI allow visualization
of different parts of the body in great detail and contrast. CT is
particularly useful in aiding the diagnosis of nasal disease, middle/inner
ear disease, neurologic disease and certain bone disorders. MRI is utilized to diagnose brain
disorders, spinal cord disease or difficult to diagnose soft tissue
injuries.
- Chemotherapy uses
combinations of different drugs in the form of pills, injections, and IV
infusions to control the growth of tumors.
This method of treatment may be recommended for cancer that has
spread, tumors that occur at more than one site, tumors that cannot be
removed surgically, or for tumors post-operatively. Generally, animals tolerate chemotherapy
better than humans, usually with fewer side effects.
- Surgery remains a common
and valuable treatment for benign and malignant cancers. It is often recommended to remove as
much of the tumor as possible, or to explore an area to evaluate the tumor
itself.
- Radiation therapy is the use of a directed and focused beam of
radiation to damage and/or kill cancerous cells in a localized area. It
can be used as the sole treatment or as part of a multimodality treatment
course for either local tumor control or palliative therapy for pain
control and relief from symptoms caused by the tumor.
- Biopsies, bone cores, bone marrow aspirates and ultrasound are
procedures used to diagnose and stage (determine the advancement) the
cancer to establish the best course of treatment.
- Currently, GVS is the only facility in Atlanta offering the vaccine
for melanoma.
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Terrance Hamilton, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
Dr. Hamilton received his DVM degree from University
of Illinois in 1987. He completed an internship
in small animal medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania in 1988 and a residency in veterinary oncology at Purdue University in 1991.
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Jennifer Arthur, DVM
Practice Limited to Radiation Therapy Dr. Arthur received her DVM degree from Ross University and completed an internship at Kansas State University and a. residency at North Carolina State University in Radiation Oncology. One of her areas of special interest includes the use of radiation for palliative therapy.
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Veterinary Technician for Oncology :
David D., RVT
Veterinary Assistant for Oncology:
Anna C.
Veterinary Technician for Radiation Therapy :
Kim M., RVT
Shonda H., RVT
Veterinary Assistant for Radiation Therapy:
Stacy C.
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